Buying help

simb2612

Hi there, just wondering if anyone can shed any light on whether an estate agent has to check that the seller owns the property prior to advertising as we are in a situation where the solicitors have informed us the seller only owns 50% of the leasehold. We have now paid out on a number of fees and looks like we'll lose this money so were wondering where the accountability lies with the estate agent?

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

G_M

I doubt EAs check ownership.

And even if they did, in 80% of properties ownership would be joint between couples, and I seriously doubt EAs get agreement from both. They take instructions in good faith from one party who says they want to sell, and it is up to the solicitors to deal with the legal detail further down the line.

But perhaps the more recent guidelines/legislation on EAs advertising has tightened up on this?

cattie

I've never had to prove ownership to an ea when selling my various homes over the years. I'm only ever asked if I'm sole owner and whether I have a mortgage on the property and if anybody else lives in the house with me.

PasturesNew

That's a solicitor's job.